Loop C

For those of us in Utah who cherish the serene quiet of a mountain setting and the invigorating crispness of high-altitude air, finding a truly authentic camping spot away from the bustling crowds is a treasure. Loop Campground, nestled in the picturesque South Willow Canyon within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offers just such an experience. While its address might simply be listed as "Utah 84532, USA" (referring to the broader Tooele County area), this particular "Loop" campground is a well-regarded destination for locals seeking a peaceful and modest escape into the Stansbury Mountains.

Loop Campground, often recognized as "Loop Campground (UT) Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest," provides a tranquil base for exploring rugged trails, enjoying creek-side relaxation, and connecting with nature. It’s designed for those who appreciate the simpler side of camping, where the focus is on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities. This article will guide local Utahns through what makes Loop Campground a suitable choice for their outdoor adventures, covering its precise location, the essential services it provides, its unique features, and why it's a valuable part of our state's recreational offerings.

Loop Campground is specifically located southwest of Grantsville, Utah, in the scenic South Willow Canyon. It sits at an elevation of approximately 7,400 feet within the Stansbury Range, part of the larger Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The address "Utah 84532, USA" broadly encompasses this region.

Access to Loop Campground is via South Willow Canyon Road. This road is mostly paved initially but transitions to gravel at the National Forest boundary, winding through some interesting narrows. While generally accessible to most vehicles, it's noted that the road can be "pitted with chuckholes" and is "not recommended for trailer use," especially larger ones. However, smaller trailers and RVs (under 48 ft as per some site information, though generally more suitable for under 12-20 ft) can often navigate it with care. The road itself is a scenic drive, approximately 7.1 miles long, with the last 4 miles unpaved. It dead-ends at the beginning of the Deseret Peak Trail, making the campground a convenient base for trailhead access.

Being located within a remote desert canyon, the campground offers a genuine escape, yet it's still relatively close to Grantsville for any last-minute supplies or services. The elevation ensures a cooler climate, particularly during the hot Utah summers, making it a refreshing retreat. While the road is manageable, it's always advisable for locals to check current road conditions, especially during spring runoff or after heavy rains, to ensure a smooth journey to this mountain haven.

• Campsites: Loop Campground offers 9 single campsites and 1 double campsite. Sites are typically designed for up to 6 people and 2 vehicles (including RV/trailer). They are generally "first-come, first-served," meaning early arrival is crucial, especially during peak seasons.

• Vault Restrooms: The campground provides vault restroom facilities. These are basic, non-flush toilets, typically maintained by the U.S. Forest Service or its concessionaires, offering essential sanitation for campers.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.

• Fire Rings: Campsites generally include fire rings with grates, allowing for safe campfires (when conditions permit) and outdoor cooking. Campers should always check for fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is "no water system in this campground." Campers must "bring your own water" for drinking, cooking, and washing. This highlights its more primitive nature.

• No Sewage Hookups/Dump Station: As a relatively undeveloped Forest Service campground, Loop C does not offer sewage hookups or a dump station. Self-contained RVs must plan accordingly for waste disposal outside the campground.

• Pets Allowed: Leashed pets are permitted within the campground, allowing for the inclusion of furry family members on your outdoor adventure.

• Bear Country Awareness: The campground is in "Bear Country," and the Forest Service provides guidance to "always store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife," indicating a commitment to wildlife safety and responsible camping practices.

• Peaceful Mountain Escape: Loop Campground is known for being a "peaceful escape," offering a quiet and serene environment away from the hustle and bustle. Its location in a remote desert canyon, forested with oak, maple, and juniper trees, provides a tranquil setting.

• Access to Deseret Peak Wilderness: The campground serves as a gateway to the rugged Deseret Peak Wilderness. The Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail begin across the road, offering access to challenging hiking, including the 7-mile one-way trail to the top of 11,031-foot Deseret Peak with "amazing views of the Great Salt Lake Valley!"

• Willow Creek Access: Willow Creek runs alongside the site, offering opportunities for "rainbow and brown trout fishing" and the soothing sounds of flowing water, enhancing the natural ambiance.

• Scenic Drive: The journey to the campground along South Willow Canyon Road is a "very scenic drive," winding through interesting narrows and offering views of fantastic wildlife, making the approach part of the adventure.

• Shade from Trees: The forested environment, with "Douglas fir, aspens, and box elder trees," provides partial shade, a welcome feature during Utah's sunny days.

• Wildlife Viewing: The canyon is noted for its "fantastic wildlife," offering opportunities for observation of local fauna in their natural habitat.

• Modest and Undeveloped Feel: While being the largest and most developed campground in South Willow Canyon, it's still described as "modest by most standards," appealing to campers who prefer a more primitive and natural experience over extensive amenities.

Loop Campground is part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. For specific information about Loop Campground, including current conditions, operating seasons, and any alerts, it's best to contact the appropriate Ranger District within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

• Address: South Willow Canyon, Grantsville, UT (within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, specific location associated with Utah 84532, USA)

• For Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest General Information:

  • Supervisor's Office Phone: (801) 999-2103 (This is a general contact for the entire forest, but they can direct you to the relevant district.)

  • Reservations: As a first-come, first-served campground, direct reservations for individual sites are not available. However, Recreation.gov is the primary source for information and details on many Forest Service campgrounds.

It is always highly recommended to visit the official Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website or Recreation.gov page for "Loop Campground (UT)" for the most current and accurate information before planning your trip, as details like operating seasons, fees, and fire restrictions can change.

For us Utahns, Loop Campground in South Willow Canyon represents an ideal camping destination, perfectly aligning with our state's adventurous spirit and love for accessible mountain escapes. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique blend of natural beauty, rustic charm, and proximity to significant recreational opportunities.

Firstly, its location within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, nestled in the peaceful South Willow Canyon, offers a refreshing high-altitude retreat from the summer heat of the valley. For residents of the Wasatch Front and surrounding areas, it's a relatively easy drive to immerse ourselves in a genuinely wild setting without embarking on a long journey. The "scenic drive" into the canyon itself becomes part of the outdoor experience, setting the tone for the tranquility that awaits.

Secondly, Loop Campground caters to those who appreciate a more traditional, less commercialized camping experience. Its first-come, first-served sites, basic vault toilets, and the requirement to bring your own water emphasize self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with nature. This "modest by most standards" approach resonates with many locals who seek a true escape from modern distractions and value the quiet solitude that such a campground provides.

Finally, the camp's direct access to the rugged Deseret Peak Wilderness and trails like the Stansbury Front Trail offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking and exploring. For Utahns passionate about pushing their limits on the trails or simply enjoying a peaceful walk by Willow Creek with opportunities for trout fishing, Loop Campground serves as an excellent base. It's a place where we can truly unwind, surrounded by the shade of oak, maple, and juniper, and rediscover the simple joys of camping in our own stunning mountain backyard. Loop Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a cherished local spot for genuine outdoor adventure and serene relaxation.

Loop C

Utah 84532, USA